Chapter 89

Lu Chenyu leaned into Wen Feixi’s embrace, clasping her hand. Feeling her presence so solidly by her side, her heart softened into a pool of warm water.

“Sister, thank you.”

Wen Feixi gently touched her cheek. “Lulu, no more crying.”

Lu Chenyu hugged Wen Feixi tightly.

I like you.

I like Sister.

I like Wen Feixi.

Lu Chenyu felt as if she were ill, her mind bubbling over with pink bubbles. It wasn’t the time to be thinking about such things, but she had been utterly defeated by Wen Feixi, surrendering completely, armor discarded. Right now, all she wanted was to express her affection.

While she had been so worried about her sister, everyone had told her to relax and not let it affect her studies. Only Wen Feixi had said nothing, simply accompanying her to Little Sea Trench to visit her sister. Lu Chenyu wanted to voice the thoughts in her heart, but her ears burned hot, the words stuck in her throat, impossible to utter.

…

Lu Chenyu and Wen Feixi went to the Livestock Vocational School where Lu Fuyan had had her accident.

It was class time, with lights on in many classrooms. As they entered the campus, a large concrete basketball court came into view, where several tall boys were playing basketball.

Wen Feixi looked at the somewhat dilapidated vocational high school and frowned slightly.

The two of them reached the scene of the incident.

This building was used for students’ practical training sessions. It was very rundown, located on the edge of the school grounds, some distance from the teaching building, with only a small shop nearby.

A balding man sat in the shop, reading a newspaper.

On the day of the incident, the shop had been closed, and he hadn’t been there. Although the school security guard had questioned him about the situation at the time, he had nothing to say, so the inquiry had ended fruitlessly.

Inside the building, there were many empty classrooms. Opening a door released a faint smell of manure, as this was a livestock school. Some rooms still had cages with rabbits, goats, and other animals.

After Lu Fuyan’s accident, the school had sealed off the building for only one day, because graduating students needed to use it for assessments, and it had soon been reopened.

This was where Lu Fuyan had been pushed down.

It was on the first floor, but the corridor was elevated by four steps from the ground. Lu Chenyu frowned, standing in the corridor outside a classroom, gazing at the dirt on the ground below.

It had been raining that day, and Lu Fuyan had been standing on these stairs when she was pushed.

Lu Chenyu’s brows knitted tightly.

Why would her sister come to a place like this for no reason?

“Sketching.” Wen Feixi found a box of pencils in the drawer of a rusty desk.

Wen Feixi added, “I think I’ve seen this brand of colored pencils at your house before.”

Lu Chenyu’s throat felt dry. “I bought them for her.”

Her sister really disliked her major, so she had come here alone in the rain to draw. Imagining that scene, Lu Chenyu suddenly felt guilty and full of self-reproach.

But there were no cameras here.

Lu Chenyu scanned the area and suddenly spotted someone by the door of a nearby classroom.

Lu Chenyu froze.

It was a girl.

The girl was smoking. On such a cold day, she wore a gray coat and only slippers, hands in her pockets as she stood there.

Spotting Lu Chenyu, she raised an eyebrow.

“Pretty sister,” the girl said. “Want a smoke?”

Lu Chenyu clearly remembered seeing this girl before—during winter break, when she had gone shopping in town with her sister. It was the girl with the scar on her face.

Lu Chenyu recalled that her sister had a prior grudge with her. The girl’s name was…

Lin Shuyi.

Lu Chenyu frowned. Wen Feixi stepped forward slightly, shielding her.

Lu Chenyu had a gut feeling that her sister’s incident was definitely connected to this girl, but there were no cameras in this spot.

In fact, most of the school had no cameras.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Lu Fuyan’s big sister,” Lin Shuyi said, snuffing out her cigarette and sauntering over lazily. She glanced at Lu Chenyu and grinned. “How’s Lu Fuyan recovering?”

“Her head got smashed—think she can still come to school?”

Her tone was flippant and insolent. Rage surged through Lu Chenyu, her arms trembling slightly. Wen Feixi quietly pulled her away.

Lin Shuyi watched their retreating backs and sneered.

At that moment, a tall boy emerged from behind her. He was a local from Little Sea Trench, with dark skin and wearing a leather jacket. He slipped out of a classroom like a ghost, came up behind Lin Shuyi, and wrapped an arm around her.

“They won’t discover anything, will they?” the boy asked expressionlessly.

Lin Shuyi shrugged. “Nah, no cameras.”

“Though, Lu Fuyan’s sister is pretty hot.” Lin Shuyi smirked, licking her lips. “I’d like to try that type.”

It was a dead end.

Without cameras, they had no evidence for justice. The vocational high school was legitimate and had taken the matter seriously, locking down the building immediately and searching for a day.

If possible, Wen Feixi could pull some strings to resolve it, but they needed evidence first.

Wen Feixi suddenly noticed the small shop.

The balding middle-aged owner sat inside reading his newspaper. Seeing the two girls approach, he looked up warily, eyeing them.

The school’s students varied in character; carelessness could lead to theft. Having suffered losses in his small business, the owner now watched approaching students like thieves.

Wen Feixi walked up to the shop and picked up a bag of chips. She asked Lu Chenyu, “Want some chips?”

Lu Chenyu stared at the cucumber-flavored bag in her hand, puzzled.

She didn’t understand why Wen Feixi suddenly wanted chips.

The owner tossed two bags their way indifferently. Wen Feixi slipped her hand into her pocket and smiled faintly. “I’ll buy everything in the shop.”

The owner froze. Lu Chenyu stared at Wen Feixi, blinking in a daze. In an instant, realization hit her, and her blood ran cold.

Wen Feixi pointed to a small hidden camera above the shop. “Can you pull up some footage for me?”

…

Lu Chenyu hadn’t expected the shop’s camera to capture the push on the stairs. She and Wen Feixi entered the owner’s office, squinting at the monitor displaying the surveillance video.

They copied it onto a drive.

In the video, Lu Fuyan had been sitting on the stairs sketching when Lin Shuyi approached and shoved her hard.

Lu Fuyan tumbled down, her head hitting the ground.

A chill gripped Lu Chenyu’s heart.

“That’s enough,” Wen Feixi said softly, looking at her. “Don’t worry—we’ll get justice for Xiao Yan.”

Lu Chenyu gazed at her, her expression softening.

“Thank you,” she said.

Wen Feixi ruffled her hair. “No need to thank me. Didn’t I tell you? I treat Xiao Yan like my own little sister.”

Lu Chenyu looked at Wen Feixi, at a loss for words. She pressed her lips together and squeezed Wen Feixi’s hand.

A gentle warmth gradually spread through her heart. Suddenly, her head heated up, and she nearly lost control.

“Sister, I…” Lu Chenyu’s ears turned red.

Wen Feixi sneezed suddenly. Lu Chenyu startled—it was so cold, and Wen Feixi was dressed lightly. She hoped she hadn’t caught a chill.

Worried, Lu Chenyu took off her own coat and wrapped it around Wen Feixi.

She had never been good at expressing herself; words like these were especially hard. Lu Chenyu bit her lip, embarrassed, and rubbed Wen Feixi’s hands to warm them.

“What were you going to say earlier?” Wen Feixi asked.

Lu Chenyu flushed. “I’ll tell you on the way back…”

Before leaving, Lu Chenyu went to see her sister one last time.

Wen Feixi waited in the car downstairs at the hospital. Lu Chenyu pushed open the ward door; Lu Fuyan was still sleeping on the bed.

Ms. Song eagerly doused her with cold water.

“That’s great, Lulu!”

Lu Chenyu blinked. “What is it?”

Ms. Song explained, “Mr. Wen found out about this and said he’d cover all of Xiao Yan’s medical bills. He’s also paying your senior year tuition, Lulu. On top of that, he enrolled you in a top-tier cram school—rumor has it many top scorers in the College Entrance Exam studied there. The medical fees were too much for us; Mr. Wen’s help is like a lifeline in the snow…”

Ms. Song chattered on.

Wen Yanxiu.

Lu Chenyu froze, thunderstruck in place.

She didn’t know if Ms. Song had approached Wen Yanxiu proactively or if he had learned of the situation and contacted her himself.

Lu Chenyu even wondered if this was the man’s warning.

…

Back in the car, Lu Chenyu’s mood was low.

After taking motion sickness pills, the driver set off for River City.

The car was silent.

Wen Feixi assumed it was worry over her sister and didn’t pry. She smiled and asked, “What did you want to tell me earlier in the car?”

Lu Chenyu tensed, clenching her fists, shoulders hunching defensively.

“Nothing important. I forgot.”

Wen Feixi frowned slightly.

For some reason, her head felt foggy—perhaps from the wind last night; she might have caught a chill.

Neither spoke further.

Over three hours later, they arrived back in River City.

Wen Feixi asked, “Want to grab lunch together?”

It was already one in the afternoon, and neither had eaten. Lu Chenyu shook her head softly. “No, I’m not hungry.”

The girl’s sudden politeness made Wen Feixi frown again.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Lu Chenyu resembled a wary wild animal retreating into its den.

After self-study that evening, Lu Chenyu took Ms. Song’s call in the dorm.

Ms. Song shared good news: Xiao Yan had sat up and eaten a little, and Teacher Han had visited.

Lu Chenyu was delighted. But lying in bed, her thoughts drifted back to the fund Wen Feixi had mentioned that morning—and to Wen Yanxiu.

A heavy mood churned in her chest.

She thought of many things: all the people she had unknowingly pushed away growing up, and those pink bubbles from the morning car ride.

Her watch buzzed suddenly.

Lu Chenyu lit it up immediately. It was a message from Wen Feixi.

【Good night.】

Lu Chenyu lowered her gaze, hesitating long before deciding not to reply.

She tapped Wen Feixi’s profile picture on the screen, then turned off the watch.

–

The next morning, Lu Chenyu noticed Wen Feixi’s seat was empty.

Frowning, she asked Tang Yimo, “Where’s Wen Feixi?”

Tang Yimo was doing homework. “Wenwen’s sick—fever, I think. She didn’t come.”

“It’s weird. She was fine yesterday. Probably the rain and sudden cold snap caught everyone off guard,” Tang Yimo said puzzledly.

Lu Chenyu spent the entire morning unable to stop worrying.

In the car yesterday, Wen Feixi had sneezed several times. Lu Chenyu was certain she had caught a chill then.

Guilt flooded her. If Wen Feixi hadn’t gone with her to Serene River, this wouldn’t have happened. It gave her every reason to check on her.

Lu Chenyu pulled out her watch and opened Wen Feixi’s profile.

Lu Chenyu: 【Is your cold bad?】

Wen Feixi didn’t reply for a while. Lu Chenyu put away the watch, trying to focus on her problems while glancing at it absentmindedly. Suddenly, she remembered a function and checked it.

Break-time Friend Finder: Your friend 【Closed Moon Shy Flower】 is currently 8.6 km away.

Lu Chenyu pursed her lips.

Eight point six kilometers—the distance from Wen Feixi’s neighborhood to school. Was she at home?

The watch buzzed again.

Feixi Sister: 【Feeling awful.】

Lu Chenyu’s heart leaped.

Feixi Sister: 【Head hurts so much, so cold, Lulu, I feel terrible [big cry][big cry]】

Lu Chenyu stared blankly at the message.

In the end, concern for Wen Feixi overpowered her fear.

Unable to hold back after class, Lu Chenyu sneaked out of school.

Wen Yanxiu’s face flashed in her mind unbidden.

Her feelings toward him were complicated: awe, fear, gratitude, loathing. He was Wen Feixi’s father and had once warned her not to get close to his daughter.

Night fell quickly. Neon lights flickered through the bus window, spilling onto Lu Chenyu’s seat.

She hugged herself miserably as the bus jolted along, a fine ache spreading through her heart. She liked Wen Feixi too much, so the fear of losing her was overwhelming. Wen Feixi had held her hand and said she liked her, giving her unparalleled security. But Wen Yanxiu’s words loomed like a barrier between them, with Ms. Song’s watchful gaze waiting beyond. She wanted to resist, to hold Wen Feixi’s hand tight, but she was ultimately timid and weak. She didn’t dare.

You can’t.

You don’t deserve Wen Feixi’s affection.

You’ll only hurt her. A voice echoed in Lu Chenyu’s mind, nearly tearing her apart.

Lu Chenyu took a deep breath, burying her head in her arms. She heard her heartbeat growing fainter, as if the night would swallow it.

After getting off the bus, Lu Chenyu bought some milk and fruit at a roadside stand and arrived at Wen Feixi’s upscale neighborhood.

Wen Feixi’s complex was one of River City’s most luxurious, in the city center yet tranquil amid the bustle. Situated on a slope with running tracks and excellent landscaping, lamps lined the paths, casting warm yellow light.

It wasn’t a place anyone could just enter. Last time, Wen Feixi had brought her in. Now, the security guard stopped Lu Chenyu at the gate.

He asked whom she was visiting; she gave Wen Feixi’s address.

The guard had her speak to the owner.

A unfamiliar woman’s voice answered—the auntie from Wen Feixi’s home, no doubt.

“Hello, may I ask who you are…?”

Lu Chenyu gripped the phone tightly and recited her prepared line. “I’m here to thank Uncle Wen.”

She gave her name, grade, and school, mentioning Wen Yanxiu’s recent help. The auntie knew he sponsored many needy students. Apologetically, she said, “Sorry, classmate—Mr. Wen isn’t home today.”

Lu Chenyu hurried, “I brought some things for Uncle…”

The auntie hesitated.

Lu Chenyu’s heart pounded. Then she heard voices near the woman, as if Wen Feixi had come downstairs.

The auntie then said warmly to Lu Chenyu, “Are you friends with the Young Miss? Come on up.”

Lu Chenyu took the elevator up and stood at the door, pressing the bell—which didn’t ring. As she hesitated, the door clicked open. Wen Feixi, in pajamas with her hair loosely tied, cheeks flushed, saw her and immediately pulled her into a hug.

All the chaotic thoughts from the bus ride vanished in an instant. Lu Chenyu couldn’t help smiling.

She felt Wen Feixi’s temperature was hot and frowned, touching her forehead. “Feeling bad?”

Wen Feixi looked at Lu Chenyu, joy beaming uncontrollably from her face.

She admitted the messages on the watch had been exaggerated; she just wanted to act cute with her beloved, never expecting Lu Chenyu to visit.

Wen Feixi shook her head with a smile. “I was feeling a bit off, but seeing Classmate Lu come visit makes even a long illness bearable.”

“That’s impossible…” Lu Chenyu murmured.

Wen Feixi leaned in, touching foreheads. “Did I burn you? Hmm?”

The intimacy set off alarms in Lu Chenyu’s defenses. She pushed Wen Feixi back slightly and noticed the house was pitch black.

No lights on.

Lu Chenyu instantly felt uneasy.

Wen Feixi took her hand. “I sent the auntie to her room.”

“Come on, upstairs.”

The house was dark; Lu Chenyu could barely see, nearly tripping over something. Wen Feixi’s low chuckle sounded close, heating her cheeks.

In Wen Feixi’s room, the door shut, and she turned to hug Lu Chenyu.

Endless heartache filled Lu Chenyu’s chest, her heart twisting. Wen Feixi was so hot, clad only in thin pajamas, clinging tightly. In the darkness, boundaries blurred; Lu Chenyu clearly heard Wen Feixi’s breaths clashing with her own pulse.

Wen Feixi smiled tenderly. “I’m so happy you came to see me.”

Fool. Lu Chenyu felt guilty inside. You’re only like this because of me…

It had rained for days; the sky was dark, and with no lights, there was no illumination at all.

It was already late at night.

Wen Feixi turned on the bedside emergency light. Lu Chenyu noticed no medicine on the nightstand or desk.

“Aren’t you taking any medicine—just lying there?” Lu Chenyu asked.

“It’s fine, just a minor thing. It’ll pass with rest,” Wen Feixi said weakly, propping her head. “It’s late—you’ve had a long day; head back soon…”

Her fever was worse than it looked.

Under the emergency light’s stark white glow, Wen Feixi’s pale face held a faint flush, sweat beading on her forehead.

Lu Chenyu frowned. “What do you mean, ‘rest and it’ll be fine’?”

Wen Feixi paused, startled.

Her room was spacious, like a small apartment. A kettle and Evian bottles sat on the desk; the medicine cabinet held a first-aid kit. Lu Chenyu took the emergency light and found fever reducers.

She held the pills out sternly. “Take them.”

Wen Feixi looked at her amused and affectionate, then swallowed them.

Lu Chenyu went to wash her hands and returned with a wrung-out cold towel.

She tested its temperature on her wrist first, then gently placed it on Wen Feixi’s forehead.

As it touched, Wen Feixi’s brows relaxed slightly.

Lu Chenyu knelt by the bed, gazing down, her fingertips tracing Wen Feixi’s temple to wipe away the sweat.

Lu Chenyu couldn’t quite explain her own feelings.

She was terrified of Wen Yanxiu, yet she stayed. Wen Feixi had once said she disliked anyone entering her room, even the household auntie.

So tonight, no one would care for her.

Lu Chenyu couldn’t leave her like that.

She tended to Wen Feixi all night.

In the early hours, Lu Chenyu got up, sat at the desk under the emergency light, and copied her class notes from yesterday for Wen Feixi.

Her hands trembled slightly, writing quickly.

The notes finished, with Wen Feixi still asleep, Lu Chenyu slipped into the bathroom, washed all of Wen Feixi’s clothes, and quietly left.